WEST MILFORD-Educators in West Milford are evaluating instructional materials for the K-6 elementary mathematics program with the goal of having a new text series in place for September. 2005. The three-year evaluation process began during the 2003-2004 school year following a year-long, extensive Five-Year Program Evaluation that included input from students, parents, teachers, and administrators. In May 2003, the evaluation committee strongly recommended implementation of a new mathematics program/series. The district is working to provide "all students with the mathematical knowledge, skills, and confidence they will need to succeed in a highly technical world," according to Deborah Ives, the district's K-12 mathematics supervisor. The evaluation of the current mathematics program serves four purposes: to assess current needs, identify priorities for improvement, provide a direction for curricullum revision in mathematics that better meets the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' vision, and produce instructional materials are in line with these efforts, she said. "Nationally, the standards emphasize a greater understanding of mathematics, along with the ability to apply mathematical knowledge to solve problems. Computation is becoming an embedded process within the problem-solving and applications of mathematics. State and national assessments also reflect this greater emphasis on mathematical thinking and reasoning, providing additional focus for curriculum evaluations and revisions." Parents and interested individuals are invited to attend informational sessions during the upcoming school year regarding the teaching and learning of mathematics. Elementary school parent-teacher organizations will sponsor meetings on the following dates: 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 6 at Westbrook Elementary School; 7 p.m. on Oct. 13 at Upper Greenwood Lake Elementary School; 8 p.m. on Oct. 13 at Marshall Hill Elementary School; 7 p.m. on Oct. 20 at Apshawa Elementary School; 7 p.m. on Nov. 10 at Maple Road Elementary School, and 8 p.m. on Nov. 10 at Paradise Knoll Elementary School. For additional information please contact Ives at the high school.